Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is a luxury desert sanctuary designed as a traditional Arabic fort, located an hour outside Dubai. Reopened in 2023 after a premium renovation, it offers an immersive '1001 Nights' atmosphere with heated infinity pools, falconry, and camel riding. Guests consistently praise the stunning desert views and outstanding dining, though some note minor service delays during peak times.

Best for

• Romantic Couples — The resort offers a secluded, fairy-tale atmosphere with cinematic desert sunsets, rooftop drinks, and private dining options.
• Spa and Wellness Seekers — Guests can enjoy high-quality relaxation with sunset yoga, temperature-controlled infinity pools, and professional traditional hammam treatments.
• Culinary Enthusiasts — The hotel features exceptional dining, including a highly praised breakfast buffet at Zala and an immersive desert dining experience with a folklore show at Al Hadheerah.

Not ideal for

• Urban Explorers — Located an hour's drive from central Dubai, the resort is highly isolated, making daily city sightseeing and shopping trips impractical.
• Guests with Limited Mobility — The sprawling layout can require long walks in the desert heat, and the resort sometimes shows insufficient consideration for guests needing buggy assistance.

Rating breakdown

• B+Location — Provides exceptional desert silence and beautiful natural surroundings, but is highly remote and far from Dubai's main attractions.
• ARooms — Spacious and stylish with high ceilings, superb soundproofing, and twice-daily housekeeping, though some family layouts feature long, dark corridors.
• A-Service — Staff are warm and hospitable, though check-in and room service can suffer from sluggishness during peak weekend periods.
• A+Dining — Outstanding culinary offerings, from the extensive breakfast buffet at Zala to the spectacular open-fire feast and show at Al Hadheerah.
• AFacilities — Features a stunning cascading infinity pool, a top-tier desert spa, and excellent complimentary activities like archery and camel rides.
• B+Value — Many rates include breakfast and activities, but extra services, drinks, and individual restaurant orders are highly priced.

Verdict

This resort is an exceptional choice for travellers seeking a luxurious, peaceful desert escape with top-tier dining and authentic activities. It is less suited for those who want easy access to downtown Dubai or those who are sensitive to minor service delays during busy periods.